Tommy Robinson will be a disaster for the North West region if elected as an MEP, following the announcement of his candidacy for the European elections says a campaign group.

HOPE not hate is calling on everyone to make sure they register to vote by the deadline of 7 May, and ensure they, their friends and community turn out on polling day on 23 May.

The organisation is also launching a new fact-check site, TommyRobinsonFacts.com today.

Tommy Robinson also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon will stand as an independent in the European elections.

Nick Lowles, chief executive of HOPE not hate, said, “Stephen Lennon is a far-right thug who uses his platform to bully, abuse and stir up division, monetising his hatred to rake in donations from his fans. He has a long record of abuse towards minorities such as Muslims and wherever he goes trouble has followed.

“Standing in this election is just another way for Lennon to line his pockets, at the expense of democracy and voters.

“In these Euro elections, the fewer people who vote, the easier it is for extremists to win a seat, so if you’ve ever been appalled or angered by Stephen Lennon’s constant diet of fake news, hatred and abuse towards others, then you need to ensure you, your friends, family and community turn up and vote on 23rd May. The North West needs a voice of hope, not hatred.”

Matthew McGregor, campaigns director at HOPE not hate, added, “The lower the turnout, the higher the chance Stephen Lennon can sneak into an MEP spot through the backdoor.

"That’s why we’re going to launch a massive campaign to encourage people to register to vote before 7th May, and to cast their vote in this election. Every vote for a non-extremist of whatever stripe makes it harder for the extremists to get in.

“This is the first time Stephen Lennon has stood for election, so we are launching a major effort to make sure voters know who he is, starting with TommyRobinsonFacts.com, and including community campaigning across the region.”

Weyman Bennett, Joint Convenor of Stand Up to Racism said : 'We oppose the fascist Tommy Robinson - he is supported by Steve Bannon, former aide to the world's number one racist Donald Trump. We are a multicultural community. "The racists and fascists oppose that. We are building a movement against racism and fascism which says 'Never Again! Use your vote to stop the fascist Tommy Robinson.'